And then we parted.

No one is going to interfere with my freedom." "You were never truly in love with him, then ?" said Mrs.St.Orme, regret and relief struggling in her voice.
Hilary looked up with clear eyes.
"Oh, never, darling!" she said tranquilly.

"Nor he with me.

I don't know what it means; do you?
You can't--surely--be in love with the poor old pater ?" She laughed at the idea and idly took up a paper lying at hand.

Half a minute later she uttered a sharp cry and looked up with flaming cheeks.
"How--how--dare he ?" she cried, almost incoherent with angry astonishment.